Pitch search
when traveling
Anyone who travels with their own vehicle is familiar with the search for a parking space – always finding a new home. What sounds like pure freedom at first glance can sometimes become a real challenge – whether it’s because the access road is more difficult than expected, the site is not so quiet after all or the road is simply not made for a Unimog.
That’s why this time we’re taking you behind the scenes of our pitch search – what tools we use, what we look out for and what surprises we’ve experienced along the way.
Digital helpers: IOverlander, Google & Co
Our search for a parking space almost always follows the same pattern – but with various digital helpers that make our lives easier:
IOverlander: The first port of call in South America (in Europe it’s Park4Night) – a huge database of campsites, free pitches and testimonials from other travelers. The comments are worth their weight in gold as they provide up-to-date information.
Google Maps & satellite images: Perfect for checking the location and access roads – especially important with a large vehicle!
Polarsteps & fellow travelers: If someone has already been there with a similar vehicle, that is extremely helpful. That way we know directly whether we’ll be driving through narrow roads or under low power lines.
How we plan our pitches
We try to keep our daily stages relatively short – a maximum of 100 kilometers, ideally less. This gives us enough time to find a pitch without getting caught in the dark.
We plan extra time for gravel roads (Ripio) in particular. A good example: the route to Valle Hermoso – it took us almost three hours to cover 18 km of gravel. But it was absolutely worth it!
If IOverlander does not help...
IOverlander does not always have something suitable for finding a parking space. Then it helps:
- Google Maps: We search for remote parking lots, beaches or open spaces and check accessibility using satellite images.
- Ask the locals: Locals often gave us great tips – and in some cases we were even allowed to stand on private property.
- Direct contact via WhatsApp: We wanted to do a wine tasting in San Rafael, but IOverlander didn’t have anything suitable. So we contacted a bodega via WhatsApp – and were allowed to spend the night there! In South America, almost everything can be done via WhatsApp.
Sometimes it also helps to simply ask directly – at the restaurant around the corner, at the fire station or even at the police station. Most people are really hospitable and are happy to say yes. And if not? Petrol stations almost always work.
Plan B is a must: alternatives are worth their weight in gold
As often as possible, we look for an alternative before we set off. Why do we do this? Because it always happens that a place looks different in reality than expected.
- The place is too full.
- The access road is too bad.
- It just doesn’t feel safe.
We have a simple rule when looking for a pitch: If one of us feels uncomfortable, we move on.
When things go wrong - A night with surprise guests
Sometimes everything fits – and then it doesn’t. An experience that stayed with us:
We had found a wonderful spot on IOverlander right next to a river. Everything was perfect. But during the night, three slightly drunk men suddenly knocked on the car and asked what we were doing here.
We politely explained that we were just tired and had been looking for a quiet place. Fortunately, they took pity on us – we were allowed to stay.
What had happened? We were standing on private land, not a house in sight for miles. The owner wasn’t thrilled, and we completely understood him. In Europe, we wouldn’t want someone suddenly camping in our own garden either.
The next morning we packed up quickly and drove on. Of course, we also completed the IOverlander entry immediately.
Pitch search with other travelers - pure relaxation
One of the best moments when traveling? Getting together with other travelers and not having to search for a pitch on your own.
When we’re out and about with friends, it’s almost like a little vacation:
- One seeks, all benefit.
- Pitches are selected together.
- You can protect each other.
That’s why we are always grateful for tips from other Overlanders – whether via apps such as Instagram, personal meetings or WhatsApp groups.
Conclusion: Pitch search - adventure & challenge in one
- Standing free is great, but sometimes also a challenge.
- You absolutely need digital helpers such as IOverlander, Google Maps & Co.
- Plan B is always a good idea.
- Network with other travelers as much as possible, for example on Polarsteps, Instagram etc. or simply save some travel blogs to your favorites.
Sometimes you experience surprises – but most of the time everything turns out well.
Want to find out more about traveling? Book a personal video call with us now and get valuable tips and inspiration for your adventure!